People in stage 4 CKD will usually visit their doctor at least every three months. Blood tests for creatinine, hemoglobin, potassium, calcium and phosphorus levels will be done to see how well the kidneys are working. The doctor will also monitor other conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition to helping the patient keep their kidneys working as long as possible, the nephrologist will also help prepare the patient for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Looking at treatment options when you have stage 4 CKD

Those with stage 4 CKD who will need treatment are told about their choices, including:

Hemodialysis: This is a treatment that can be done in a center or in a patient’s home with assistance from a care partner. A dialysis machine removes a small amount of a patient’s blood through a man-made membrane called a dialyzer, or artificial kidney, to clean out toxins that the kidneys can no longer remove. The filtered blood is then returned to the body.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD): Unlike hemodialysis, PD is a needle-free treatment and a care partner is not required to to help assist during treatment. PD can be performed at home or at work.

Kidney transplant: This is a preferred treatment and does not require as many diet restrictions as those who are on hemodialysis or PD.

Meeting with a dietitian when you have stage 4 CKD

A person in stage 4 may also be referred to a dietitian. Because diet is such an important part of treatment, the dietitian will review a person’s lab work results and recommend a meal plan individualized for their needs. Eating a proper diet can help preserve kidney function and overall health.

Diet and stage 4 CKD

For stage 4 CKD, a healthy diet is likely to consist of:

Reducing protein consumption to help decrease the buildup of protein waste in the blood

Medications and stage 4 CKD

It’s recommended that people in stage 4 keep their blood pressure at a healthy level and those with diabetes keep their glucose level under control. Taking all the medicines as prescribed by the doctor may help prolong kidney function.

Managing stage 4 CKD

In addition to eating right and taking prescribed medicines, exercising regularly and not smoking are helpful in maintaining health. Patients should talk to their doctors about an exercise plan. Doctors can also provide tips on how to stop smoking.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) guidelines recommend starting dialysis when kidney function drops to 15 percent or less. By doing everything possible to help prolong kidney function and overall health, the goal is to put off dialysis or transplant for as long as possible.

This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a physicians.
Please check with a physician if you need a diagnosis and/or for treatments as well as information regarding your specific condition. If you are experiencing urgent medical conditions, call 9-1-1